Giovanni Trapattoni said that nothing but the perfect start to the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign would make him happy. The manager projected confidence as he demanded victories over Georgia here tonight and Montenegro in Podgorica on Wednesday.

"Sometimes you hear coaches say 'Maybe four points would be important' but sometimes coaches are liars," he said. "In my heart, I think of six points. We have Italy in our group but it's a good group. We can qualify and when we work like we have done in training and in my first three games, I am optimistic."

The build-up to the tie has been overshadowed by the problems in Georgia, but Héctor Cúper, the manager, insisted that Fifa should have allowed it to take place in Tbilisi. He suggested the neutral venue gave the Irish an advantage. "Héctor is a friend of mine," said Trapattoni with a smile. "But it would be a mistake for us to think like this, to dwell on the game being in Germany. It's an away game."

"The past is past," added captain Robbie Keane, "and it's psychologically important for us to get off to a good start now."